🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.